How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?
You breathe concentrated oxygen in a pressurised chamber. The pressure lets more oxygen dissolve into your blood plasma, so your blood carries more of it.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy · De Waterkant, Cape Town
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Cape Town
Concentrated oxygen under gentle pressure, used to support recovery, energy and focus. At Cape Town's first longevity clinic.
15 minutes with Jack, our founder, on what the research shows and whether HBOT fits your goals.
Prefer to talk now? Call +27 66 448 0238, Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 18:00.
Guided by the evidence, and by what's right for you.
Two hard-shell chambers
Made by OxyHealth and Solid O2, two trusted, established hyperbaric manufacturers. Up to 2 ATA.
Assessed before you start
Our team checks your suitability first.
Doctors on site
Independent doctors practise here, if you need them.
Since 2022
5,000+ hyperbaric sessions run by our team.
5.0 on Google
What it is
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
You relax in a pressurised chamber while breathing concentrated oxygen. The added pressure lets far more oxygen dissolve into your blood and reach your tissues. People use it to support recovery, energy, focus and healthy ageing.
The science logic
Under pressure, more oxygen dissolves into the liquid part of your blood. It's the same physics that keeps bubbles dissolved in a sealed bottle.
Our chambers reach up to 2 ATA, about twice normal air pressure, and deliver concentrated oxygen. So your blood carries more oxygen in its plasma, not only in red blood cells.
The studies
HBOT is one of the most researched wellness therapies, with thousands of published studies. Quality varies, so since 2022 we've done the reading for you. Below are the areas where the research is most promising, with links to the studies themselves.
What research suggests it may support
We offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a non-medical wellness service. It isn't used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition, and it complements, never replaces, care from your doctor.
In their own words
What our clients say
"The team really took their time to make sure I felt comfortable."
"I'd actually tried HBOT abroad before coming to Expand and wasn't able to complete a full session, so I was quite nervous about trying it again. However, the team really took their time to make sure I felt comfortable and gradually helped me work up to completing the full protocol without any issues. I think that was largely down to their patience, care and the approach they put in place. They're also consistently monitoring and checking in on you throughout each session, which makes you feel very well looked after.
These days, the sessions go by surprisingly quickly. It's actually become some of my most productive working time. You're in the chamber with nowhere else to be and very few distractions, so it's a great opportunity to focus. I've come to really appreciate that uninterrupted time.
I'd definitely recommend trying HBOT, particularly at Expand Health. One of the things I really like about Expand is their holistic approach to health and wellbeing. HBOT is just one part of a broader approach, and I think that, combined with the team's expertise, attentiveness and genuine care, is what makes the experience stand out."
Is it right for you
Is a hyperbaric chamber right for you?
People often come to us when they
- want a protocol grounded in research, and want to see the evidence before they start
- are new to HBOT, a little nervous, and want an experienced therapist beside them
- are recovering from a health setback and want to feel safe, with doctors on site and their own doctor kept in the loop
- want more energy and to stay well for longer, in a place they enjoy coming back to
- lead busy lives and need a team that fits around them, with early sessions by arrangement
What to expect from us
HBOT works best with a clear goal and a regular protocol of at least 10 sessions, so on your free call we'll talk through what you want to achieve. If HBOT isn't the best fit, we'll say so and point you to what is.
And for your safety: HBOT isn't suitable for everyone, for example during pregnancy or with certain lung, ear or sinus conditions. We check this with you before your first session.
Why we start with a conversation
Every protocol starts with your goals.
Clients often come to us wanting to start an extensive protocol. However, after talking it through, we sometimes suggest a different starting point, such as a consultation with one of the independent doctors who practise here, so they have a clearer picture of their health first.
Your health comes first. So we guide you by the science to the right next step, even when that isn't HBOT.
We'll always tell you if something isn't right for you.
How it works
From first call to your protocol
A free 15-minute call
Highly recommendedYou speak with Jack, our founder, an engineer who has worked with hyperbaric chambers since 2022, about your goals and what the research shows.
Your suitability check
Our team takes you through a short screening. If anything needs a medical view, we refer you to an independent doctor on site.
Your protocol
Most research protocols use between 10 and 60 sessions, so we plan yours within that range, with you.
Your progress, tracked and refined
We check in after every session and adjust your plan as you go.
On the day
What a hyperbaric chamber session is like
We greet you by name, offer you tea or water, and show you to the chamber room. Your therapist explains each step before it happens.
You lie back in one of our two hard-shell chambers. The pressure rises slowly, and you may feel it in your ears, as you would on a plane. Your therapist shows you how to ease it and stays with you for the whole session.
Sessions last 30, 60 or 90 minutes. You can ask to pause or come out at any time. Busy week? Sessions from 06:00 can be arranged.
- Your first visit
- Starts with your suitability check, so allow an extra 15 minutes.
- What to wear
- Comfortable clothing.
- Bring your work
- You can take your phone and laptop into the chamber.
Cost
What hyperbaric oxygen therapy costs
A single session starts at R1,125. Most people follow a protocol of 10 to 60 sessions, planned with you after a free call, and the cost per session falls as the protocol gets longer.
You'll have the full price before you commit, and we never push a package on the day.
Talk it through with usQuestions
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: your questions
Something else on your mind? Ask Jack on a free call
Is HBOT backed by science?
There's a large and growing body of research. HBOT is a recognised medical treatment for several conditions, and research into wellness uses such as brain performance, fitness and recovery is promising. We share the key studies above and talk you through what's relevant to you on your call.
How many sessions will I need?
Most research protocols use between 10 and 60 sessions. We plan the number with you after your call.
How long is a session?
30, 60 or 90 minutes, depending on your protocol.
What does it feel like?
Most people feel pressure in their ears as the chamber pressurises, like on a plane. Your therapist shows you how to ease it.
Who checks that it's safe for me?
Our team assesses your suitability before your first session. If anything needs a medical view, we refer you to an independent doctor on site. A trained therapist is with you for every session.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. If you're seeing your own doctor, we're happy to work alongside them, and many clients come to us through their doctor.
What if I feel claustrophobic?
Both our hard-shell chambers have windows, your therapist stays beside you throughout, and you can ask to pause at any time. Feeling nervous before the first session is normal; tell us and we'll take it slowly.
Is HBOT covered by medical aid?
No. HBOT at Expand is a wellness service, so it isn't covered by medical aid.
What if I can't make a session?
Let us know. Once you're on a protocol, a missed day is fine, and we'll rebook it with you.
Can I combine HBOT with other modalities?
Yes, and we encourage it where the research supports it. We have six other evidence-informed modalities under the same roof, and we build them into your protocol around your needs.
Where are you, and where do I park?
The Hudson Building, De Waterkant. Park on the street or in the Cape Quarter garage, about 50 m away.
Start with a conversation
Talk to Jack before you book
An engineer turned health entrepreneur, Jack has worked with hyperbaric chambers since 2022 and will walk you through what the research shows. Free, 15 minutes, and highly recommended before your first session.
Call +27 66 448 0238 · Email contact@expandhealth.co.za
Prefer to see the clinic first? Book a tour · Evening?